Temperatures first thing in the 40s, rising only into the 60s during the day, plenty of sun: our awesome autumn continues. As do our thoughts on how best to make the most of it. If you’re looking for a guided hike, for instance:
Basin Hike, Saturday, 10 a.m., Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Kure Beach. This is about the time when we start getting excited about hiking at the coast. I know, we’re just hitting peak color in the Piedmont, but the cool temperatures and clear skies are made for a coastal adventure. And this hike is always the first one that comes to mind: the 1.1-mile hike starting on the beach, heading inland through salt marsh, past a World War II bunker that once housed something of a celebrity, and finally to an overlook overlooking The Basin and Zeke’s Island beyond. Some of the most wide-open space you’ll encounter on trail in North Carolina. Space is limited, reserve a spot by calling 919.458.5798. Learn more here.
Fall Birdwatching Hike, Saturday, 2 p.m., Lake James State Park, Nemo. As the event description accurately notes, the Paddy’s Creek area, where the hike will be held, “offers just the right mix of open water, shoreline woods and fields to see lots of species ….” And on this guided hike, with Ranger Jamie Cameron as your guide, you’ll learn what those species are. Bring binos and a field guide, if you have ‘em. Learn more here.
Birding and Nature Hike, Sunday, 8 a.m., New River State Park, Laurel Springs. Often in the deep woods, you hear birds, but you don’t always see them. Thus, a more useful way to ID a bird is by its call. That’s the goal on this 2-mile hike: learning to identify a call and understand what it likely means. Learn more here.
Hike DIY
Three more options, all DIY (with a little direction):
- The weekend’s weather begs for a long day on the trail. A reminder that we wrote about long trails in the region on Oct. 20. Find “Long Hikes for Cool Fall Days” here.
- You can find 5 more long hikes in our eguide, “5 Long Hikes for Getting in Shape,” available in our store, here.
- If you’re looking for a hike that’s more season-specific, check out our “3 Hikes for Mid Fall,” also available in our store, here.
Whatever you do this weekend, GetOut! And enjoy.